14 DAY TRIAL // American wireless operator Verizon has announced its new FiOS TV app for iPad customers who can now download the free software form iTunes and start managing their DVRs and browsing FiOS video-on-demand (VOD) remotely. The solution also turns the tablet computer into a remote control for HD set-top boxes, Verizon said.
"Verizon is pushing the boundaries of TV with innovative technology that continues to spur the industry's evolution," said Eric Bruno, vice president of product management for Verizon.
"We're giving customers more control over their TV entertainment whenever and wherever they want it. Extending our FiOS Mobile app to customers using iPads gives more subscribers more ways to conveniently manage their FiOS TV services," added Bruno.
The offering is not new, actually.
Both iPhone and iPod touch owners already have the privilege to use their device as a remote control through Verizon’s dedicated software solutions.
So do owners of one of over 40 mobile devices running Android software v.2.1 or above or that support Wi-Fi.
Now available on the iPad too, the FiOS app automatically personalizes options based on the specifications of Apple’s tablet, which includes customized favorites and other preferences.
According to the iPad 3G carrier, FiOS Mobile for iPad has virtually the same functionality as the standard FiOS TV remote.
Most of all, though, customers will employ the FiOS Mobile for iPad to browse and search TV programming, browse and search Video on Demand (VOD) listings, update set-top box names, set parental controls and bookmarks etc., Verizon notes.
DVR customers can set to record from virtually anywhere they happen to be, set a series recording, view the status of any of their DVRs, including the ability to see how much space is left for recording, as well as view their lists of scheduled and recorded programs, Verizon said.
The requirements for using Verizon FiOS Mobile are: a Verizon FiOS-provided router; a My Verizon User ID and Password; at least one Set-Top Box for Guide Data, Video on Demand Browsing and What’s Hot viewing; a DVR for Remote DVR Functionality and Video on Demand Bookmarking; an HD Set-Top Box for Remote Control functionality.
